As a first-generation Hispanic student, life bears numerous challenges and forces many to ask, "Is this right for me?" I know I did. The pressure of providing financial support to my family, combined with the demanding nature of college coursework, seemed like a weight too heavy to carry. However, I have learned that going through strenuous times like these is worthwhile because they strengthen the will and build character and confidence. My career choice is an actuary. Actuaries positively impact the world by developing and creating statistical and mathematical models to help save the insurer and the insured money. Through the financial obstacles and difficulties I have faced, I have developed skills that will assist me in my future career as an Actuary. The most substantial challenge I had to overcome was the cost of college. My parents divorced when I was sixteen. When they were together, we were already living paycheck to paycheck. When they split up, the financial situation got worse. I started working when I turned sixteen at my local Pizza Hut. I always helped my mom financially because she worked endlessly to make ends meet and provide the necessities. When graduating high school, I chose to go to my local community college and work to help my mom for a couple more years. The decision to work full-time and pursue my education full-time initiated one of the most challenging times of my life. Receiving financial help and general guidance from my parents was not an option. I do not blame them; their parents did not see the importance of college either. They would say things like, "you have to work to pay the bills," and took the traditional approach of jumping into the workforce instead of college after high school. With this knowledge, I felt the best option was to work and save money to pay for school. I had to ensure that I would not be in much debt when transferring to another school to pursue my career. Working full-time and pursuing my education was one of the most challenging times of my life. I helped my mom pay her bills, saved enough money to cover one full year of education, and developed time management and problem-solving skills. Work, school, and home life were constantly battling for my attention. I had to learn how to manage an ever-changing life schedule with high demands and manage the shift from high school to university-level courses by myself. To overcome these challenges, I had to develop time management skills and be strict with myself when I had due dates and meetings. I also had to hold myself responsible and accountable for my learning and personal success. Learning and developing these skills and life lessons have prepared me to pursue my BA in Mathematics. I always have loved math and knew I wanted to do something in the STEM field. However, I also wanted to choose something in which I could have a positive impact on society. Being an actuary helps save people's money and assets and assists in the understanding of complex mathematical ideas to executives and decision-makers. Being a part of a team that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion is necessary for the corporate values I am looking for in a company. I want to show my family and friends that being a first-generation Hispanic student does not disable you from pursuing your dreams. It gave me a uniqueness and a work ethic that drives me to accomplish any task or goal I have in front of me.